Two of Brisbane’s most recognisable broadcasting properties have hit the market after more than six decades. We take a closer look at their history, the properties themselves and why the sales are attracting attention.
For generations of Brisbane residents, Mt Coot-tha has been synonymous with television. Its broadcasting towers have been a familiar feature of the city’s skyline since television first arrived in Queensland in 1959.
Now, in an unusual coincidence, both Channel 7 and Channel 9 have placed their long-established Mt Coot-tha headquarters on the market, within weeks of each other.
Together, the properties cover approximately 6.4 hectares and include television studios, offices, extensive parking and helicopter facilities. Both occupy prominent elevated positions on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, approximately 10 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD.
The sales mark a significant moment in Brisbane’s broadcasting history. But despite the headlines, neither network has confirmed that it will permanently leave the mountain.
So, what’s behind the listings, and what makes these properties so unusual?
The birthplace of Queensland television
When television first arrived in Brisbane in 1959, Mt Coot-tha was at the centre of the excitement.
Channel 9, originally known as QTQ9, was Queensland’s first television station and began broadcasting on 16 August 1959. Channel 7, then BTQ7, followed on 1 November that year, with ABC television beginning broadcasts from its Toowong studios the following day.
Interestingly, the rivalry between Seven and Nine began almost immediately. According to the State Library of Queensland, both commercial networks screened major films on Channel 7’s opening night. Seven chose Casablanca, while Nine broadcast High Noon.
The new television stations quickly became an important part of Brisbane life. Their Mt Coot-tha studios were home to generations of journalists, newsreaders, presenters, camera operators and production crews, bringing everything from daily news and weather reports to entertainment and local programming into Queensland homes.
The mountain’s broadcasting facilities also became a recognisable part of Brisbane’s landscape. For many residents, the television towers are as much a local landmark as the nearby summit lookout.
More than six decades later, the properties that helped establish Queensland’s television industry are now being offered to new owners.
Channel 9: Almost 67 years at Mt Coot-tha
Channel 9 was the first of the two networks to announce its property sale, officially listing its headquarters at 654 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive in September 2026.
The property is being marketed through Savills Brisbane and comprises:
- 25,411 m² of freehold land across three lots.
- Approximately 215 metres of frontage to Sir Samuel Griffith Drive.
- Existing television studios and office facilities.
- Extensive car parking, a helipad and associated infrastructure.
The Channel 9 commercial listing is being offered through an Expressions of Interest campaign closing on 28 October 2026 at 4 pm AEST.
According to realestate.com.au’s report on the sale, the listing followed an internal announcement that Nine was exploring options for a new, unified Queensland headquarters. However, the network has said any decision to relocate would depend on the sale’s financial outcome.
This means the property could change ownership without Channel 9 having to move out immediately. For a site that has housed Queensland television operations since 1959, the listing is a significant event regardless of the eventual outcome.
Channel 7 follows with an even larger property
Just weeks after Channel 9’s announcement, Channel 7 confirmed it would also offer its headquarters for sale.
Located at 560, 560A and 560B Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, the Channel 7 property covers approximately 38,470 m², or 3.85 hectares, across three adjoining titles.
It is the larger of the two properties and includes established buildings, substantial parking facilities and a helicopter hangar and landing area. Like Nine, Seven has occupied its Mt Coot-tha headquarters since 1959.
The property is advertised for sale through Savills, with offers closing on 12 November 2026 at 4 pm AEST.
The sale follows the merger of Seven West Media and Southern Cross Media Group in January 2026. The combined company has indicated that it is reviewing its long-term property and operational requirements.
A report in The Courier Mail on 15 October 2026 suggested that both broadcasters may be interested in remaining at their existing sites through leaseback arrangements. A sale, therefore, would not necessarily end television production on Mt Coot-tha immediately.
Two extraordinary Brisbane properties
From a real estate perspective, these are certainly not your typical Brisbane property listings. The combined advertised landholdings total approximately 63,881 m², or 6.39 hectares.
Both occupy elevated positions surrounded by Mt Coot-tha’s natural environment, with views towards the city. Their physical characteristics also set them apart from conventional residential or commercial property.
The buildings were developed for specialised broadcasting operations, with studios, offices, technical infrastructure and helicopter facilities accumulated over many decades.
Preliminary property research identifies different zoning classifications across Channel 7’s three lots, including Special Purpose (Utility Services) and Metropolitan Conservation.
Why would a company sell its headquarters after 67 years?
One of the more interesting aspects of the sales is that neither broadcaster has necessarily committed to leaving Mt Coot-tha.
Large businesses sometimes sell properties they own and continue operating from them under a commercial lease. Known as a sale-and-leaseback, this arrangement allows a company to release capital tied up in real estate while retaining use of the premises.
For broadcasters with highly specialised facilities, it may offer an alternative to the expense and disruption of relocating. Whether this is ultimately the outcome for Seven or Nine remains to be seen.
Mt Coot-tha is also entering a new chapter
The timing of the sales is particularly interesting because Brisbane City Council is developing a broader vision for the Mt Coot-tha precinct.
The Council’s Mt Coot-tha precinct transformation project aims to enhance the mountain as a major destination for residents and visitors, while protecting its natural environment.
Ideas being explored include improvements to the summit lookout, walking and cycling trails, recreational facilities, the Botanic Gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
A draft precinct vision is scheduled for release in late 2026, with the final vision expected in 2027. These initiatives highlight the importance of Mt Coot-tha to Brisbane’s future as well as its past.
What happens next?
As at 17 October 2026, both properties are being marketed for sale, with the respective campaigns scheduled to conclude in late October and November 2026.
No asking prices have been publicly advertised, and the eventual purchasers, sale prices and ongoing occupation arrangements remain unknown. The networks may continue operating from their familiar mountain locations under new ownership.
For Brisbane residents who grew up watching Channel 7 and Channel 9, there is something particularly nostalgic about seeing these familiar landmarks advertised for sale.